12th July, 2026
Kia Whai Take te Whai Kāinga | Be the reason someone belongs.
Every year, thousands of students arrive at the University of Canterbury excited, nervous and often knowing nobody.
- Someone will be leaving home for the first time.
- Someone will be wondering if they'll make friends.
- Someone will need encouragement through a difficult week.
- Someone will be looking for a place to belong.
That someone could meet you. At UniLodge, we believe belonging changes lives. As a Taurima | Residential Advisor, you'll help create welcoming communities where students feel connected, supported and inspired to thrive. Along the way, you'll develop leadership skills, build lifelong friendships and gain experience that will stay with you long after graduation.
This is more than a part-time job. It's an opportunity to make a genuine difference.
Āu Mahi | What You'll Do As a Taurima, you'll help shape the student experience for a community of residents by:
- Building genuine relationships within your kāhui | resident community
- Creating experiences that bring people together and foster belonging
- Supporting residents to thrive academically, socially and personally
- Leading by example and creating a welcoming, inclusive culture
- Working alongside an incredible team of student leaders to make our communities the best place to live
No two days are the same. Some days you'll celebrate achievements, some days you'll organise community events, and sometimes you'll simply be the person who is a part of creating a safe environment!
Why Become a Taurima? Being a Taurima is one of the most rewarding leadership opportunities available while you're studying.
You'll:
- Develop practical leadership experience and gain a micro-credential from UC
- Receive professional training before residents arrive
- Build skills in leadership, communication, event management, teamwork and resilience
- Gain experience working people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Work alongside an amazing team of student leaders
- Build lifelong friendships and professional networks
- Receive a competitive hourly wage and a 10% accommodation discount
- Leave university knowing you've made a genuine difference in someone else's journey
Mōu | Who You Are We're looking for people who care about others and want to make a positive impact.
The best Taurima aren't necessarily the loudest people in the room. They're the people who help others feel welcome.
You might be a great fit if you:
- Naturally bring people together
- Lead with kindness, integrity and respect
- Stay calm and responsible when situations become challenging
- Enjoy working with people from different cultures and backgrounds
- Communicate confidently and build positive relationships
- Are creative, proactive and willing to step outside your comfort zone
- Can balance your studies while contributing around 15 hours each week
- Will have successfully completed at least one year of tertiary study before commencing the role
Mahi Ngātahi | Our Community The UniLodge Canterbury team supports more than 2,600 residents across Tupuārangi, Tupuānuku, University Hall, Ilam Apartments, Dovedale Halls, Campus Houses and Kirkwood Avenue Hall.
Together we're creating communities where every resident feels safe, connected and supported to succeed.
Ngā Painga o UniLodge | Why UniLodge? Our vision is to create communities for inspired living.
We believe university is about more than earning a qualification. It's about discovering who you are, building lifelong relationships and finding your place.
As a Taurima, you'll play a vital role in helping others do exactly that.
Pēhea te Tono Mai | How to Apply To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining:
- Why you want to become a Taurima
- Why you want to be the reason someone belongs
- The skills and experiences you'll bring to the role
- Your preferred hall (if applicable)
- Contact details for two referees
- An indication of your academic progress
Applications are encouraged to seek support in building that application. See UC Careers Advice, Jobs and Internships for advice and guidance at https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers/
For any questions about the role, please contact canterbury@unilodge.co.nz.
Be the reason someone belongs. Leadership starts with creating connection.
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